Fish Symbolism & Meanings

In exploring Fish symbolism and meanings it’s important to consider these creatures intimate and life-sustaining relationship with Water.

The Water Element connection gives Fish spirit the connotation of the subconscious, emotions, healing and purification.

Water animals also have connections with purposeful movement and mindful independence, but for the rough currents that sometimes hinder a goal, just as they do in our lives.

When Fish begins appearing in your life, pay attention to how it presents itself.

Some of the interpretations for Fish include:

The Unconscious or Higher-Self

Feelings

Motives

Health

Intelligence and Thought Processes

Stretching Limits

Deeper Awareness

Fertility, Birth, and Rebirth

Inventiveness

Luck

Change

The Sacred Feminine

Water Element

As with other large categories of Spirit creatures, the exact meaning of Fish varies not only from culture to culture but also depends on the exact species of fish.

In Greek mythology, for example, Aphrodite could turn into a fish, and in fact used that form to swim speedily away escaping harm.

Christians use a Fish to represent Christ’s charity and abundance.

Neo-Pagans frequently associate Fish spirit with the Great Goddesses, especially those Beings associated with rivers, lakes and oceans.

Fish Spirit Animal:

When the Fish spirit comes to you as an animal spirit guide, Lightworkers tell us that its reminding you of the feminine portion of self.

It’s time to dig deep into things that you keep tucked beneath the surface of your life, explore and reconnect.

Nurture yourself as the Great Mother would, then swim freely with fish toward your next great adventure as a new you.

Fish Totems:

Those born with a Fish totem are so fiercely independent that they’re often tempted to swim upstream.

People with Fish energy adapt to a variety of circumstances easily.

They have not simply a strong affinity for water, but need to connect with living water regularly for their well-being.

If you have a Fish Totem it’s likely that you strive to develop your spirit and your mind. You may have prophetic dreams or intricately correct gut instincts.

More information about your totem depends on the species of fish.

For example, the Angel Fish is a guardian for others, Betta Fish are loners, Koi have good luck, and Sharks embody intense work ethics.

Fish Power Animal:

Seek out Fish medicine (energy/spirit) when your life has become stagnant or when you need to amplify your instincts.

Fish makes a good companion when endeavoring to learn about divinatory arts. Also, if you find yourself growing too tied to one person or thing, Fish inspires renewed movement and liberation.

Fishs in Celtic Symbolism

The main Fish figuring into Celtic lore is the sassy salmon who gained wisdom, creativity, and future-sight by eating magical hazel nuts that He found at a sacred well.

Because of this story, the Ogham features Salmon in a special place, presenting it as a Fish of great mystical ability. Communing with Fish spirit would give you the knowledge needed by sages and seers alike.

In the Celtic Animal Zodiac, people born between August 5 and September 1 bear the sign of the Salmon. The energetics of this Astrological sign including having great self-preservation skills.

Salmon people search long and hard for the perfect environment where they can mate – this is their safe “pool” in which the proverbial “cold fish” can love and cultivate their family.

Mentally Fish people have a hard time stilling their thoughts making meditation an excellent pastime.

Native American Symbols: Fishs

Salmon plays a key role in Native American symbolism too particularly among the Northwestern tribes.

Here you will find dozes of rituals that honor Salmon along with some other food fish like the giant halibut.

Some legends depict Fish as clever shape shifters or magicians that control the Water Element.

Some tribes use Fish as a clan animal including the Ojibwe, and there is a Fish Kachina in Hopi tradition.

More Fish Symbolic Meanings:

The Chinese often give Fish as gifts, particularly Koi, for weddings as a symbol of devotion and a happy marriage. They are also an emblem of fertility.

In Buddhism, Fish is one of the 8 symbols for the enlightened Buddha (specifically a pair of golden fish).

Finally among the Norse, Fish represent determination and flexibility.

5 Responses

Amy Jo

September 10, 2016

Thank you for the wonderful insights. I am a dowser and I recently received a pendulum chart booklet on Animal guides (from mirrorwaters.com in case anyone is interested.) When I dowsed the list It came up with Tuna. I had no Idea what it meant… I then remembered snorkeling on many occasions and being surrounded by tuna. And another time when I was on a large ferry boat and having a tuna leap out of the water going in the same direction of boat and seemingly just hang in the air next to me for about 5 seconds!

When I asked the tuna what he was here to assist me with he said. “To help to free you of your self imposed limitation, and allow you to be free to go deep into your own thoughts and understand your relationship to the rest of the world”

You are most welcome and thank you for visiting WhatIsMySpiritAnimal.com!

What an awesome story! I haven’t researched Tuna as a Spirit, Totem, or Power Animal yet but since ALL animals bring powerful energy and medicine to the realms of men, it doesn’t surprise me that the message Tuna sent to you was “deep”.

On Eart Day this year I was sending out healing energy and connected with whale. The right eye, mouth, blow hole and half of right side of her body came into view strongly. I felt strength, compassion and deep wisdom. My regular spirit animals are turtle, hawk and bear. I am still meditating on whale energy. Helps with my new sobriety.

Congratulations on your sobriety! Since you’re working on sobriety, it makes perfect sense that you saw the right side of your Whale Spirit Animal. Right is Yang energy. It’s elements are fire & spirit. It’s ruled by sunlight. You’re coming out of the darkness, into the light and Whale energy is there to help you cross that ocean!